Meaning of What We Do by JAY-Z

In JAY-Z's song titled 'What We Do' featuring Freeway and Beanie Sigel, the overarching theme is a gritty portrayal of the struggles and contradictions of life in the streets. The song delves into the harsh realities of hustling, survival, and the lengths people go to provide for their families. Amidst the darkness, themes of resilience, loyalty, and the complexity of human nature emerge.One standout lyric that encapsulates the core theme is "Even though what we do is wrong, we keep the nines tucked, chopped dimes up, rap about it, wild out, fuck niggas up, laugh about it." This line recognizes the derived pleasure from a life marked by illegal activities and violence. It highlights the interplay between the moral ambiguity of their actions and the camaraderie that arises from shared experiences in the face of adversity.Throughout the song, Freeway provides compelling verses that shed light on the harsh realities of life in the hood. "And without this drug shit, your kids ain't got no way to eat, huh?" is a poignant lyric that reflects the desperation and moral compromises people make to provide for their families. It touches on the desperate circumstances that drive individuals into these illicit activities, revealing the complex motivations behind their actions.Additionally, the line "Cause when her teeth stop showin' and her stomach start growlin', then the heat start flowin'. If you from the hood, I know you feel me (Keep goin')" captures the harshness of survival. It reflects the constant struggle to provide basic necessities, suggesting that sometimes resorting to violence becomes inevitable when pushed to the edge.Another significant lyric comes from Jay-Z's verse: "But I gotta feed Tianna, man. So I move keys, you can call me the Piano Man." This lyric represents a blending of literal and metaphorical meanings. Jay-Z recognizes the responsibility he has for his daughter's well-being, acknowledging that he is willing to engage in illegal activities to ensure her survival. The parallel between moving keys as a musician on a piano and moving drugs highlights the duality of Jay-Z's life as an artist and a hustler.A thought-provoking theme that emerges from this song is the idea of fathers' sacrifices. Both Freeway and Beanie Sigel touch upon this notion. Beanie Sigel expresses his dedication to his family, stating, "Tell Ms. Robert, tell Anajmah that I'm riding for her father. That's like my brother, like same mother, different father." This line reveals the sense of responsibility and loyalty that extends beyond blood ties. It showcases the concept of chosen family and the connections formed through shared experiences in the streets.Overall, 'What We Do' provides a raw and unfiltered depiction of life in the streets. It explores the moral dilemmas, sacrifices, and resilience of individuals caught in the cycle of survival and desperation. While the song may be confronting and laden with societal taboos, it also forces listeners to examine the complex web of circumstances and motivations that drive individuals to engage in illicit activities. Ultimately, it urges empathy and understanding, reminding us that life is rarely black and white, and our choices are often shaped by circumstances beyond our control.